To provide additional guidelines in the application of the subject
standard as it relates to the various methods for determination of
"flashpoint" acceptable to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA).

2. Documentation Affected

None.

3. Background

a. An OSHA staff member has been active on the American Society
for Testing of Materials (ASTM) Ad-Hoc Committee on Flash Point Methodology
and Government Response. This committee has been actively engaged in a
program that would lead to the standardization of methods for determining
flashpoints that would be acceptable throughout the world. The committee
chairman has petitioned OSHA to amend 29 CFR 1910.106 (a) (14) to permit the
Setaflash tester methods to be used as alternates to the Tag and
Pensky-Martens closed testers methods contained in the definition of
flammable and combustible liquids.

b. The Setaflash method, ASTM D3278-73 (Flashpoint of Liquids by
Setaflash Closed Tester), has been accepted by the U.S. Department of
Transportation and the National Fire Protection Association as an acceptable
method for determining the flashpoint of liquids.

-2-

OSHA INSTRUCTION STD 1-5.9 OCTOBER 30, 1978

c. The adoption by OSHA of the Setaflash method as an acceptable
method of determining the flashpoint of liquids would result in this agency
being in conformity with other regulatory agencies. In addition, the
Setaflash method for determining the flashpoint of liquids, ASTM D3278-73,
will not have a lessening effect on the safety and health of employees
conducting the tests or the eventual users of the liquids under the
standard.

4. Action

Until such time as the referenced standard is revised to incorporate
the use of Setaflash Testing Methods, the use of such methods will be cited
as de minimis under the standard.

5. Effective Date

This Directive is effective immediately and will remain in effect
until rescinded of canceled by standards changes.

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